KDHE reports no new cases of swine flu

As of early Wednesday, no additional cases of swine flu had been reported in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

There are still two confirmed cases in the state, and the number of total cases in the United States has reportedly surged to nearly 100, according to the Associated Press. The new flu strain has killed more than 150 people in Mexico and a toddler in Kansas. The virus has sickened dozens more Americans in 10 confirmed U.S. states.

The World Health Organization said the outbreak is moving closer to becoming a full-scale pandemic, the AP reported.

Local health departments, hospitals and other health care providers in Kansas are being continuously updated and provided with information about the swine flu virus. President Barack Obama said Wednesday that nationwide school closings may become necessary.

Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that all states would receive a portion of their allocation of antiviral medications from the federal Strategic National Stockpile. Kansas has received a portion of its overall federal allocation and distribution planning is underway, according to KDHE.

KDHE Division of Health Director and State Health Officer Jason Eberhart-Phillips was scheduled to provide a briefing on swine flu during a joint legislative committee meeting Wednesday afternoon. Members of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee and the House Health and Human Services Committee were expected to participate in the briefing at the Statehouse in Topeka.

KDHE has established a toll-free telephone number that concerned Kansas residents who have questions about swine flu may call to obtain more information. Operators will be available to answer questions between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at (877) 427-7317.

People who have questions about swine flu can also send an e-mail to swinefluinfo@kdheks.gov, or visit the KDHE Web site, www.kdheks.gov, for more information.